Chapter 54: Unwilling to be Superior

Princess Pingyao recently acquired a new acquaintance, Qin Yumo, a concubine born son from the Qin family.

At the youthful age of eighteen, Qin Yumo was at the peak of his vigor. He possessed a refined and courteous demeanor, humility, a sense of propriety, and a good level of knowledge, all of which greatly pleased Princess Pingyao.

Although Qin Yumo had a pleasant appearance, compared to the more flamboyant and striking youths in the Princess’s residence, he was not exceptionally outstanding. However, over the years, the Princess had been surrounded by obedient and well-behaved handsome youths, making Qin Yumo’s refined and reserved demeanor a rare sight.

The Princess found a certain freshness in him, to the extent that on his first night at the residence, Qin Yumo shared a memorable night with the Princess.

“I am five years older than you.” Princess Pingyao playfully touched Qin Yumo’s face, her eyes filled with amusement and tenderness. “Do you find me repulsive?”

Qin Yumo, half-reclined on the bed, shook his head, “I dare not find the Princess repulsive.”

Princess Pingyao asked calmly, “Is it that you dare not or you do not wish to?”

“I dare not and do not wish to.” Qin Yumo raised his gaze, studying the Princess’s face, “The Princess holds a noble status, wealth, and beauty. I, on the other hand, am just a concubine’s son. What right do I have to find fault with the Princess?”

Princess Pingyao smiled pleasantly, “So, if I were to elevate you to a superior status, would you betray me?”

Qin Yumo pondered for a moment, “I do not wish to be superior.”

The Princess was surprised, “Why is that?”

“Being superior comes with its own price.” Qin Yumo sighed softly, his tone carrying the weight of experience, “Moreover, reaching a certain high position may give rise to greater ambitions, more desires. Human nature may not withstand the test.”

Princess Pingyao fell silent for a moment, her gaze showing a hint of curiosity, “You truly do not seem like an eighteen-year-old.”

Qin Yumo replied, “At eighteen, one is no longer a youth.”

“In my presence, it is.” The Princess smiled, “After all, a five-year difference is quite significant.”

Just as Qin Yumo was about to speak, a respectful report sounded from outside, “Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence in the palace.”

The Princess frowned, a hint of disdain crossing her features, “Have the messenger wait.”

“Yes.”

Qin Yumo guessed, “Does the Princess not wish to go to the palace?”

“What’s there to want or not want about going to the palace?” Princess Pingyao pinched his face, playfully planting a kiss on his cheek, “It’s better to hang out at home with you.”

Upon hearing the term “hang out”, Qin Yumo couldn’t help but chuckle, “Your Highness, please go to the palace. I’ll keep you company in the evening.”

“Alright, obediently wait for me at home.” Princess Pingyao pinched his cheek, “No running around.”

“Understood.”

Princess Pingyao rose to change her attire, donning a deep red court dress that instantly exuded elegance and grandeur, shedding her earlier playful and carefree demeanor.

Qin Yumo accompanied her to the palace entrance, standing on the steps as he watched Princess Pingyao depart, surrounded by attendants and guards. A faint trace of irony flickered across his lips.

In this world, destinies unfold differently.

Some individuals effortlessly enjoy a lifetime of wealth and luxury without much effort, living as superior beings in opulence.

Others struggle in the mire for half their lives, unable to find a moment of peace, even struggling to fulfill basic desires like sustenance.

Some hold the power to decide life and death with a word, while others crawl in the dust, barely surviving, uncertain of tomorrow’s arrival.

Superior beings?

Qin Yumo sneered, realizing that today he might be elevated to a superior status, but tomorrow a turn of events could easily drag him into the mud.

In that case, what was the point of dwelling on unrealistic thoughts?

“Qin Yumo.” A group of youths approached, standing on the steps as they looked up at him, “We heard that Princess Pingyao intends to have you and your brother share one wife. What do you think about this?”

Qin Yumo gazed indifferently at the group, a touch of ruthless indifference on his lips, “Am I entitled to intervene in the Princess’s decision?”

“Do you just accept this fate?”

“That question is quite ridiculous.” Qin Yumo’s eyes held a hint of pity, “Whether I accept it or not, what can change? Must one persist in their pride, struggle, and defiantly refuse to yield to demonstrate their noble character?”

“You—”

“I am not noble at all.” Qin Yumo adjusted his robe sleeve and turned to enter the palace, “Her Highness asked me to wait obediently for her return. You may leave.”

The group of youths below exchanged glances, clearly surprised by Qin Yumo’s temperament. He seemed unbothered yet not easily dealt with.

Some felt discontent and envy towards Qin Yumo’s good fortune.

Despite sharing the same status, why could Qin Yumo enter the Princess’s chambers while they couldn’t even come close to the door?

In truth, Qin Yumo pondered the same question.

Sharing one wife with his brother?

Leaning against the screen, he contemplated these words and suddenly smiled.

Although he didn’t consider sharing one wife with his brother a cause for celebration, he also didn’t feel particularly troubled by it.

After all, the family’s honor seemed entirely unrelated to them, the illegitimate sons, as it appeared only the patriarch, matriarch, and their legitimate children were concerned about such matters.

Things always seem to happen so conveniently.

……

Princess Pingyao encountered the Regent on the way to the palace.

As their carriages met, a moment of silence fell over the scene.

The guard stood in front of the carriage and reported, “The carriage ahead belongs to the Regent’s residence, Your Highness. Should we yield?”

“Hasn’t Uncle always preferred riding horses? When did he start using carriages?” Princess Pingyao reclined lazily in her carriage, looking indifferent. “Convey my greetings to Uncle and inquire about his health. If he is unwell, I will yield the way to him.”

The guard paled in fear, cautiously walked to the Regent’s carriage, head bowed, and loudly asked, “Princess Pingyao sends her regards to the Regent.”

The Regent’s stern voice came from inside the carriage, “Regards.”

One word, brief and to the point.

The guard returned to Princess Pingyao’s carriage and stammered, “Princ… Princess, the Regent sends his regards.”

“Then go ask if Uncle is willing to yield the way for me.”

“P-Princess, that’s the… the Regent…”

Of course, she knew it was the Regent.

Thinking about the Emperor’s summon to the palace and the recent exit of the Regent from the palace, Princess Pingyao’s thoughts shifted, causing a slight furrow of her brow. “Forget it.”

Huh?

The guard, puzzled, asked, “Your Highness?”

“I don’t feel like going to the palace anymore.” Princess Pingyao commanded, “Change direction, let’s head back to the residence.”

The eunuch messenger’s face turned pale, “Your Highness, the Emperor is still awaiting your arrival in the palace.”

“Go back and inform the Emperor that this Princess met the Regent on the way, not feeling well, hence not willing to enter the palace.” With these words, Princess Pingyao made it clear she did not wish to elaborate further and ordered the coachman to return home.

Left alone, the messenger eunuch was bewildered by the situation.

As Princess Pingyao’s carriage departed, the Regent’s carriage smoothly resumed its journey.

Shen Ning’s expression was subtle, “This Princess Pingyao is quite a character.”

Ji Yucang responded with a noncommittal noise, remaining silent.

Shen Ning said nothing more.